Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Maria Strack @wetland-ghg.bsky.social · 4d

Working on some paper revisions and encountered some interesting messaging on the USDA webpage. Some propaganda with your soils research...

Screenshot from Forest Service USDA website with notice about the Government Shutdown. Text states "The Radical Left Democrats shut down the government. This government website will be updated periodically during the funding lapse for mission critical functions. President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people."

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Reposted by Maria Strack

Fatima Syed @fatimabsyed.bsky.social · 5d

First Nations asked the Doug Ford gov't for oversight measures over special economic zones (law-free areas for trusted proponents & designated projects). They asked for a public registry, an appeals process on cabinet decisions and time limits.

The government said no
thenarwhal.ca/ontario-bill...

Ontario’s draft rules for special economic zones limit oversight | The Narwhal

The Doug Ford government’s draft regulations for special economic zones under Bill 5 empower ministers and dismiss First Nations’ request for oversight

thenarwhal.ca

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Maria Strack @wetland-ghg.bsky.social · Aug 19

There are peatland restoration studies in Canada published in academic literature that are over 30 years old, so does seem to miss a few things...

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Dr Scott J. Davidson @wetlandresilienceresearchgroup.com · Aug 11

Excellent 10 days in Alberta collecting a whole load of CO2 and CH4 flux data, vegetation surveys and drone surveys at our burned peatland sites - super cool to see the vegetation recovery already.

Project in collaboration with @wetland-ghg.bsky.social

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Maria Strack @wetland-ghg.bsky.social · Aug 10

Check out www.fuseconsulting.ca. We've worked with them on infographics and graphical abstracts.

Fuse Consulting Ltd.

At Fuse, we combine our backgrounds in science and our passion for creativity to bring knowledge to life. We help empower leaders to make decisions that matter.

www.fuseconsulting.ca

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Reposted by Maria Strack

Dezene Huber 🍁 🌻 @dezene.me · Aug 9

“…Canada 🇨🇦 continues to lag behind other countries in R&D spending; it spent 1.8% of GDP on research in 2024, placing it sixth in the G7 industrialized nations and well below the 2.7% average among the 38 nations that are members of the OECD.” 🧪

www.science.org/content/arti...

Canada plans a 15% budget cut. Scientists are alarmed

Cuts could erase promised boost, researchers fear

www.science.org

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Reposted by Maria Strack

The Walrus @thewalrus.ca · Aug 8

Mark Carney calls it nation building. First Nations call it betrayal.

Bill C-5 is Mark Carney’s plan to fast-track infrastructure and energy projects deemed to be in the “national interest.” But leaders warn it could ignite a new wave of Indigenous resistance. thewalrus.ca/first-nations-wa...

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Maria Strack @wetland-ghg.bsky.social · Aug 6

Spent the weekend in my happy place

A beaver pond with shrub and sedge vegetation in the foreground.

Sundew in a carpet of green Sphagnum moss.

A fen with red Sphagnum moss and pink flowers on a shrub (Spirea tomentosa).

A view down a stream in a fen with conifer trees lining the sides as you look down towards a beaver pond in the distance.

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Maria Strack @wetland-ghg.bsky.social · Jul 26

I’m not there but there is a Canadian delegation. Line Rochefort is there and I’m sure would be happy to chat

Maria Strack @wetland-ghg.bsky.social · Jul 23

COP15 of the Ramsar Convention starts today. Here in Canada we have the privilege of being home to a quarter of the world's remaining wetlands. Let's not forget what a treasure they are.
theconversation.com/canadian-wet...

Canadian wetlands are treasures that deserve protection

Canada is home to a quarter of the world’s remaining wetlands. Despite decades of efforts, wetlands continue to be under threat around the world.

theconversation.com

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Alan Puttock @alanputtock.bsky.social · Jul 22

New PhD funding opportunity: Quantifying natural flood management through peatland restoration in the upland moorland environment (Physical Geography @exeter.ac.uk )

@dpanici.bsky.social @philipimetcalfe.bsky.social @uoe-creww.bsky.social

www.exeter.ac.uk/study/fundin...

Quantifying NFM through peatland re | University of Exeter

The University’s Department of Geography invites applications for a PhD studentship funded by the Environment Agency and South West Water and the University of Exeter to commence as soon as possible t...

www.exeter.ac.uk

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Convention on Wetlands @ramsar.org · Jul 22

Since 1970, a total of 411.5 million hectares of natural wetlands have been lost globally. To restore & conserve the wetlands essential for achieving global biodiversity and climate goals, we face a financing gap estimated between $275 billion and $550 billion.

www.global-wetland-outlook.ramsar.org

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Maria Strack @wetland-ghg.bsky.social · Jul 21

Always a pleasure to share information about how important our peatlands in Canada are and raise awareness about the threats they face
www.cbc.ca/news/science...

Carbon emissions from Canada's wildfires are spiking. But that's not counting our vast peatlands | CBC News

A new government model to estimate peatland emissions and their impact on climate change could provide a new perspective on the problem — and spark new discussions about solutions.

www.cbc.ca

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Maria Strack @wetland-ghg.bsky.social · Jul 14

Investigating the effect of interacting disturbances - fire and cut lines- on peatland carbon exchange @wetlandresilienceresearchgroup.com

A linear clearing covered in moss and shrubs within a burnt stand of black spruce.

A square metal frame used for carbon flux measurement in the soil in a burned bog with shrubs recovering in the understory.

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Maria Strack @wetland-ghg.bsky.social · Jul 13

We have a global treasure in the Hudson and James Bay Lowlands and we need to spread the word and fight to protect it

Charlie Angus @charlieangus104.bsky.social · Jul 12

The Cree call theJames Bay lowlands "Yehewin"-breathing lands. The globe's fragile lungs hold 5 times more carbon per acre than rain forests.
Carney and Ford want to rip it up for the Ring of Fire.
The guys playing with me - Lawrence Martin/Vern Cheechoo are serious musicians and land defenders.

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Maria Strack @wetland-ghg.bsky.social · Jul 12

Spending the day in a boreal bog

Maria in a high visibility vest standing among stunted black spruce trees.

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Maria Strack @wetland-ghg.bsky.social · Jul 8

Ever wondered how functional traits of common peatland plants vary among sites? We got you - www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
This was a fun group project with @wetlandresilienceresearchgroup.com and many grad students and post-docs.

Intraspecific trait variability in four geographically widespread peatland plant species in Canada

Plant traits directly influence ecosystem carbon exchange through photosynthesis and respiration, and indirectly control nutrient cycling through stru…

www.sciencedirect.com

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Peatland Ecology Research Group (PERG) @gret-perg.bsky.social · Jun 20

🌍 Big news in peatland science!

5 current & former PERG researchers are in the global top 10 for peatland restoration! 🌿

🏆 Shoutout to Line Rochefort #1 worldwide!
💥 @ulaval.ca also ranks #1 globally!

📖 Read: shorturl.at/uJl6A

#Peatlands #PeatSky
@wetland-ghg.bsky.social @peatofmind.bsky.social

A global development and dynamics of peatland restoration: a bibliometric analysis

Peatland ecosystems play a critical role in conservation of biodiversity and climate regulation, but face ongoing degradation from land-use change, mi…

www.sciencedirect.com

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Maria Strack @wetland-ghg.bsky.social · Jun 16

We have given up our right to move safely (i.e., walking, cycling, dancing, running) in our cities so that cars can move "freely". Instead of standing up for that right of movement, we're told to protect our bodies for impact...

Robson Fletcher @robsonfletcher.com · Jun 16

103 cyclists suffered major injuries in crashes with cars in the last year on record in Alberta.

5 died.

In 73 of those collisions, the driver made an "improper action" vs. 30 who were "driving properly."

🔗: open.alberta.ca/dataset/2502...

Anyway, here's the RCMP reminding cyclists to stay safe:

Strathcona County RCMP remind cyclists of bike safety

Strathcona County, Alta. – As warmer weather approaches, Strathcona County RCMP are reminding cyclists of the importance of wearing a helmet and bicycle safety in an effort to prevent injuries and keep everyone safe.

Whether you’re cycling for fun, as a commuter or with your family, it is important to know the rules of the road. To ensure a safe and enjoyable summer, Strathcona County RCMP are encouraging everyone to follow some safety tips:

Wear a helmet. Cyclist under 18 years of age must wear a helmet. Adults are strongly recommended to wear a helmet.
Bicycles must be equipped with a horn or bell, a brake, and if operated at night, a white headlight, a red taillight and a red rear reflector.
Stay on designated bike trails when possible and check trail conditions ahead of time.
Secure your bicycle with a high-quality lock, remove valuables from your bike and take them with you.
Keep records of your bike’s make, model, serial number, photo and any unique features to assist with recovery if stolen.
For more tips on bike safety and information on the cycling regulations in Strathcona County please see: Cycling safety and positive tickets | Strathcona County

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Dr Lorna Harris @lornaharris.bsky.social · Jun 4

“Most people think Ontario is all forest,” he says, “but Omushkego land is so much more. It’s my home, my history, my people.” - Jeronimo Kataquapit

The Hudson Bay Lowland is indeed so much more to so many people.

canadiangeographic.ca/articles/ins...

#peatlands #climatechange #biodiversity

Inside the ambitious Indigenous-led plan to protect northwestern Ontario’s “Breathing Lands”

On the western shores of James and Hudson bays, a group of Omushkego Cree nations have been working to protect both water and land

canadiangeographic.ca

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GreyBruceInfo- Part Owner of Canada 🇨🇦 @brucegreyinfo.bsky.social · Jun 4

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TVO Today | The Agenda @tvotoday.bsky.social · Jun 4

"This is what Bill 5 is saying, 'Let us go ahead and... ruin your lands... but we'll throw you a little bit of money.'" — Kate Kempton (Woodward & Company) tonight at 8/11pm with Zachary Davis (Pape Salter Teillet LLP), Chief Peter Wesley (Moose Cree First Nation), and @jeyantvo.bsky.social

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Maria Strack @wetland-ghg.bsky.social · May 28

Such a #peaty day at #CMOSxCGU2025!

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Mélina Guêné-Nanchen @melinaguene.bsky.social · May 28

Flux flux flux! Starting fieldwork with MSc and PhD student out in the #peatland of Pointe Lebel. Shoutout to @wetland-ghg.bsky.social for lending us the #LGR for catotelm fluxes

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